admin…Fans turned away at album launch
…Parades sons on big occasion
Trust Khosa
ALICK Macheso is a superstar, no doubt about that, and is probably the most popular musician in Zimbabwe today.
He celebrated his 54th birthday in style last Friday as he attracted a bumper crowd at his base at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.
Thousands of people, who intended to watch the mega show, were turned away because the hall was full to the brim.
Organisers believe more fans were turned away compared to those who managed to squeeze into the venue.
The event, which coincided with his 12th album launch, was oversubscribed, giving bouncers a torrid time to control the crowd.
Macheso, who was returning to his fortress after several years, could not hide his elation as fans and promoters pampered him with gifts.
“I did know that people still love me to this extent.
“Of course, I have been starving fans of such big shows but I think I have heeded their calls.
“Orchestra Mberikwazvo is a band ravanhu so we will always listen to our fans and take note of what they want us to do and when to give them new stuff,” he said.
Macheso, who was dressed by 4 May and Bachelor’s Republic, said he was also humbled by the corporate support he got.
“My event went according to plan because of the support I got from various corporate players who have faith in our brand.
“I was also humbled by the support I got from fellow artists who came and showed that unity is needed in showbiz.
“I have always prayed for this to happen and today, (Friday), was a big occasion that showed we can mend bridges and pull in the same direction.
“Music should not be taken as war but as a business where big collaborations should be the order of the day,” he said.
Macheso said he was also at a loss for words to describe his delight as fans sang along to some of his new songs off his 12th album titled Tinosvitswa Nashe.
His Chewa song ‘Impfa Nimulandi” was the crowd’s favourite along with Dzendo Dzirefu and Ndimi Vanhu Vacho.
Besides Tinosvitswa Nashe, Macheso boasts of a rich catalogue of albums.
These comprise Magariro, Vakiridzo, Simbaradzo, Zvakanaka Zvakadaro, Zvedo Zvenyu Kunyanya, Vapupuri Pupurai, Ndezvashe-eH, Zvinoda Kutendwa, Kwatabva Mitunhu (Kure Kwekure), Tsoka Dzerwendo, Dzinosvitsa Kure and the 2020 single Zuro Ndizuro,.
The album Tinosvitswa Nashe, which is set to shake the showbiz industry, comes at a time when Macheso has decided to invest in videos.
Meanwhile, Baba Harare was the bigger cashier of the night after the family of businessman and property mogul, Alex Mashamhanda, gave him US$10K in appreciation of his talent.
Mashwede, as the businessman is fondly known, hailed Baba Harare for representing Masvingo province with pride.
Both Mashwede and Baba Harare come from Masvingo.
Other performers on the night were Selmor Mtukudzi, Andy Muridzo and Jah Master.
Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria added decency at the event as he blessed Macheso’s show.
Macheso’s sons Tatenda and Esau were also unleashed at the big occasion.
Tatenda played the lead guitar while Esau strummed the bass guitar.
It was evident the lads came prepared as they delivered a flawless act.
However, there were ugly scenes inside the venue as some fans lost valuables, during a stampede.
The VIP enclosure was also oversubscribed, which led to some fans leaving earlier, while others failed to attend the show for safety reasons.
The showers were temporarily turned into a urinary by fans who could not access the gents toilets.
The lighting, sound and coordination of the event were superb.
Macheso’s team should be hailed for doing their homework and made the event memorable.
It was the biggest ever crowd he recorded at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex for a musical show.
As the suggested by the title of his 12th album Tinosvitswa Nashe, which preaches the eternal gospel of having faith in God, Macheso has never lost hope in his career. He also urges fans to believe in God in trying times.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter